DC Vote

Executive Director

Washington, D.C.

Salary: $150,000 – 175,000

BACKGROUND

The Organization

DC Vote was formed in 1998 to organize a coalition to educate and advocate for full democratic equality for residents of the District of Columbia. Under DC Vote’s leadership, this equality cause has been embraced by over one hundred local and national organizations and 72% of the local population supports DC statehood. DC Vote’s national education efforts were instrumental in the US House of Representatives passing statehood bills for the first time in history in 2020 and 2021. 

DC Vote envisions a fairer America where residents of the nation’s capital are first class citizens. This will be evidenced by the District of Columbia gaining the freedom to control its own budget, pass its own laws without congressional interference, and having its citizens enjoy equal representation in the US House of Representatives and the US Senate.

DC Vote welcomes organizations, citizens, advocates, thought leaders, scholars and policy-makers seeking to advance our cause.

The Position

DC Vote seeks a strategic and passionate Executive Director to lead our advocacy for DC statehood and autonomy while strengthening coalitions to protect against federal overreach. This role requires a balance of policy leadership, coalition-building, and nonprofit management, ensuring the organization remains a strong force in defending self-governance for Washington, DC. The Executive Director will oversee advocacy efforts, organizational operations, and financial sustainability while mobilizing supporters and policymakers.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Strategic Leadership & Advocacy

• Develop and execute a clear, focused strategy to advance DC statehood and autonomy while resisting federal encroachments.
• Build and strengthen coalitions with local and national partners to amplify advocacy efforts and align with broader democracy movements.
• Serve as a public champion for the organization, engaging with elected officials, grassroots activists, and community leaders to mobilize support.
• Monitor and respond to legislative threats that impact DC’s right to self-governance, ensuring proactive advocacy.

Organizational Leadership & Administration

·        Reporting to the Board of Directors, oversee day-to-day nonprofit operations, including budgeting, payroll, and tax-exempt compliance, ensuring financial sustainability.

·        Lead and support a small, dedicated team fostering a collaborative, high-impact work environment.

·        Ensure effective governance, working closely with the Board of Directors on strategic priorities and accountability.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Support organizational growth, secure funding through grants, donor engagement, and strategic partnerships.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies that align with the organization’s advocacy goals and operational needs.
• Cultivate relationships with foundations, individual donors, and institutional funders.
•  to expand financial support.

Communications & Public Engagement

• Develop and execute a targeted communications strategy to raise awareness and drive engagement.
• Utilize media, digital platforms, and public events to educate and mobilize supporters around DC autonomy and statehood.
• Serve as a spokesperson, ensuring DC Vote’s mission and policy positions are clearly communicated to diverse audiences.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 4 years of senior nonprofit leadership experience, preferably in advocacy, policy, or coalition-building.
• Strong knowledge of DC autonomy, federal oversight issues, and the legislative process.
• Demonstrated success in coalition-building and advocacy campaign leadership.
• Proven ability to manage a nonprofit organization, including budgeting, compliance, and team leadership.
• Experience in fundraising and donor cultivation, with a track record of securing diverse and recurring funding streams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage media and policymakers from across the political spectrum, alongside stakeholders at all levels.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary

$150,000-175,000 annually; potential for bonuses based on performance of the organization and exceeding fundraising goals.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package with health, dental, and vision insurance, including flexible spending accounts. 
• Other perks: Flexible schedule, remote work, generous PTO

TIMELINE AND NEXT STEPS

If you are interested in this position, please click here. All applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their application.

We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply even if you do not meet all of the qualifications outlined above. If you are selected to move forward for an initial screening call, we expect you to hear from us by October.

Sherry Ettleson

Principal

 settleson@drgtalent.com

Submit an application HERE.